Man denied bail over bid to rob shop with knife

A man who tried to rob a shop armed with a knife has been denied bail.

Paul O’Donovan, aged 30, residing at Victory Outreach, Cobh, Co Cork, wore a mask as he tried to rob the Spar at Hawthorn Villas, South Douglas Rd, Cork, on May 26.

Garda Brian Maher arrested Mr O’Donovan and charged him with carrying out the attempted robbery.

Garda Maher objected to bail on grounds including the seriousness of the offence, namely an attempted robbery in which a knife was produced.

Another ground for objecting to bail was the strength of the evidence in the case. Garda Maher said there was excellent CCTV evidence from the scene.

He was also concerned that Mr O’Donovan was addicted to drugs.

Defence solicitor Eddie Burke said his understanding was that Mr O’Donovan was welcome to reside at Victory Outreach in Cobh. Furthermore, he would abide by a curfew and stay out of Cork City if given bail, he said.

Mr O’Donovan said: “I want a chance to get back in treatment, prove everyone wrong, and get off drink and drugs.”

Judge Leo Malone remanded Mr O’Donovan in custody until May 30.